Peter Handscomb in line for Test recall after being roped in as substitute for Sydney Test

Victoria’s Peter Handscomb could be in for a Test recall after joining the Australian team in Sydney for the final Test against India as a substitute fielder. Handscomb, who does not have a Big Bash League (BBL) contract, joined the senior Test team on January 3 (Friday) and is expected to be with the squad for the rest of the Test.

ESPNCricinfo reports that Handscomb’s inclusion is the clearest sign, yet, that the 33-year-old will be picked for the two-Test series against Sri Lanka later this month. 

Handscomb, generally considered an Asia specialist, last played a Test for Australia against India in March last year. Out of Handscomb’s 20 Tests, 10 of them have come in Asia, where he averages 32.60.

The veteran has had a very good start to the ongoing Sheffield Shield season, having amassed 478 runs in 12 innings at an average of 47.80. He has crossed the 50-run mark five times, including passing three digits against South Australia in Adelaide. 

Reports back in Australia have also been suggesting that, Handscomb aside, there could be a Test recall for Glenn Maxwell. Maxwell is currently playing in the BBL for Melbourne Stars, but he was part of the Kangaroos’ squad for the tour of Sri Lanka two years ago, which ended 1-1. The right-hander, in all likelihood, would have been a part of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy last year in India had he not broken his foot.

The two-Test series against Sri Lanka will start January 29. The series will be a dead rubber if Australia beat India in Sydney, but Sri Lanka will have a chance of making it to the final if the Sydney Test ends in a draw. For that, however, they will have to whitewash Australia.